Nanotechnology Research Laboratories

IBN was established to spearhead the advancement of biomedical sciences in Singapore. A member of the A*STAR's biomedical sciences institutes, IBN is a leading national program with an international vision and a dynamic interdisciplinary research environment.

The laboratory is a joint effort between IMRE and the Department of Chemistry at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Areas of research are: Molecular catalysis; Biomimetic materials; Energy materials; Carbon materials.

MBIís primary focus is to identify, measure and describe how the forces for motility and morphogenesis are expressed at the molecular, cellular and tissue level. Toward that goal, we are working to create a common international standard for defining these steps by developing powerful new computational models, experimental reagents, and tools for studying diseases of cells and tissues. Our goal is then to transfer these basic discoveries to both the clinic and the classroom.

The research group of nanotechnology emphasizes its research on fuel cell technology, applied catalysis and reaction engineering, functionalized polymeric materials and nanocomposite materials for biosensors and pharmaceutical applications. The state-of-the-art analytical and characterization facilities available in the School provide support for cutting-edge research.

Metal nanomaterials of different sizes, shapes, and structures are finding increasing acceptance in biological applications. Metal nanomaterials can be interfaced with biological materials to form a new class of designer organic-inorganic hybrids (BioNanoMetals) which can be used to enable the green synthesis of metal nanomaterials and the safe use of nanometals in biomedical applications. The group is interested in investigating the basic design principles for functional BioNanoMetals and addressing fundamental issues on the interactions between the biological systems and metal nanomaterials.

Established in 2010 within the National University of Singapore, the Graphene Research Centre (GRC) was created for the conception, characterization, theoretical modeling, and development of transformative technologies based on two-dimensional crystals, such as graphene.

Their mission is to investigate the natural structure-property-function relationship of cells and molecules so as to further understand the physiological functions and establish possible connections to human diseases.

The group is particularly interested in discovering novel nanobiology of nanomaterials. Some of this nanobiology is detrimental to the organism's well being and some is beneficial. The differentiation of either conclusion depends heavily on our understanding of how nanomaterials interact with biological systems. The group approaches their work from an observation initiated and hypothesis driven manner. From these findings, they aim to develop nanoparticle specific rules that drive certain cell effect. Understanding these rules helps to design better nanoparticles.

Excellent students from all scientific and engineering, as well as biomedical disciplines are welcome to apply for NanoCore PhD Scholarships. Students whom we are recruiting typically are in the top 10% of their class and have shown the ambition and ability to immerse themselves in challenging, high impact research projects. We also highly welcome students who have entrepreneurial ambitions.